The Power of Many: CoServ’s Virtual Power Plant
Home backup batteries are gaining popularity because they can seamlessly provide backup power to your home during an outage. Now, they can help stabilize the grid and, for some, earn you valuable monthly bill credits.
For CoServ Member Paul Palmier, it was the opportunity to have backup power that initially sparked his interest in batteries. Beginning in 2018, he installed Tesla Powerwalls in conjunction with rooftop solar panels, eventually expanding the system so he can run off the grid when the sun is shining.
“Before, they really were just backup because the energy prices at CoServ are already really low,” Paul said.
Now, his Powerwalls do so much more.
Last year, CoServ launched the PeakTime Perk: Tesla Battery Program, allowing CoServ to leverage stored energy from Tesla Powerwalls, in essence, creating a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
What is a VPP?
Home backup batteries store energy to be used at a later time, like during a power outage. This excess energy can also be used strategically when demand is high. CoServ’s Energy Resources team closely monitors the day-to-day and real-time energy market to make strategic purchasing decisions. Now, they’re able to combine this effort with the ability to dispatch available power reserves from Members’ battery systems.
When CoServ’s Energy Resources Team calls a battery event, the electricity stored in the batteries powers the Member’s home, and any excess power flows to the grid. By strategically managing hundreds of batteries simultaneously, CoServ reduces the amount of wholesale electricity purchased when prices are at their highest, lowering costs for all Members.
During the summer, the VPP, combined with other demand response programs, such as Rush Hour Rewards, can also help lower CoServ’s transmission costs. In July's edition, we'll talk more about transmission costs.
How does the PeakTime Perks: Tesla Battery program work?
Members with Powerwalls who participate in the program earn monthly bill credits of $30 per eligible battery, per month. The PeakTime Perks program is an example of demand response where CoServ can reduce demand on our system at the push of a button.
Now, Paul not only has peace of mind with backup power for his home, but he’s also part of a larger VPP that can relieve grid stress. And he’s earning $30 per battery, in his case, $150 per month, in credits.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a couple of years,” Paul said. “The credits helped me pay for my natural gas bill from the winter storm earlier this year.”
Check CoServ.com/PeakTimePerks for new demand response programs.
New! CoServ collaborates with Base Power
Expanding VPP Options with Base: The PeakTime Perks program now includes a collaboration with Base Power. Offering Members more ways to add home battery storage while supporting grid reliability.
In July's edition, we'll talk more about transmission costs.
How does the PeakTime Perks: Tesla Battery program work?
Members with Powerwalls who participate in the program earn monthly bill credits of $30 per eligible battery, per month. The PeakTime Perks program is an example of demand response where CoServ can reduce demand on our system at the push of a button.
Now, Paul not only has peace of mind with backup power for his home, but he’s also part of a larger VPP that can relieve grid stress. And he’s earning $30 per battery, in his case, $150 per month, in credits.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a couple of years,” Paul said. “The credits helped me pay for my natural gas bill from the winter storm earlier this year.”
Check CoServ.com/PeakTimePerks for new demand response programs.
New! CoServ collaborates with Base Power
Expanding VPP Options with Base: The PeakTime Perks program now includes a collaboration with Base Power. Offering Members more ways to add home battery storage while supporting grid reliability.
In July's edition, we'll talk more about transmission costs.